A Long Way from Chicago Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

A Long Way from Chicago Topics for Discussion

1. Grandma Dowdel lies to the reporter from the city about Shotgun Cheatham.

Can her lie be justified? Why does she lie? Is it ever okay to lie? Explain your answer.

2. The last sentence of "Shotgun Cheatham's Last Night Above Ground" mentions different kinds of truth. Read the last paragraph and discuss what Peck means in the last sentence. Is this true today?

3. In "The Mouse in the Milk," Grandma lies again. Do you see a pattern here?

What is she teaching her grandchildren with this kind of behavior?

4. Mr. Cowgill whips his boys after Grandma catches them in her kitchen intending to steal her gun. How do you feel about that? How do your parents punish you when you are deserving?

5. In "A One-Woman Crime Wave" Grandma does several things that the sheriff...
(read more)